District II—New Jersey, New York, Europe
Eric Williams
Vice President
rcpilot@nycap.rr.com
4242 Amanda Ln., Schenectady NY 12303
Tel: (518) 356-2057
www.amadistrict-ii.org
www.facebook.com/DistrictIIAMA
AMA District II can be proud of its history. The first model aviation club in the US, AMA’s first national headquarters, and numerous model aviation records were recorded in District II. Among that history is the District II Fly-In, established 14 years ago by then-District Vice President Dave Mathewson. Dave became AMA president, and is currently AMA’s executive director.
The District II Fly-In has taken place at various club locations through the years, and each club has done an outstanding job as host. Three years ago, the district concentrated on four to six permanent locations, with the venue rotating between these locations each year. Doing so provides an opportunity to expand the fly-in and standardize expectations for the host clubs, pilots, and the supporting local communities.
The District II Fly-In has expanded. Nearly all of its success is attributed to the host clubs. Advertising, promotion, planning, and organizing are all done by them. The 2014 District II Fly-In, hosted by the Long Island Aero Modelers Association, was among the top National Model Aviation Day supporters for Wounded Warrior Project. The 2015 Fly-In, hosted by the Canandaigua Sky Chiefs and the Radio Control Club of Rochester, benefited veterans services at the Canandaigua, New York, VA Medical Center.
Each year’s fly-in has become larger, with more pilots and spectators. Building on its 2013 District II Fly-In success, the Top O’ New Jersey club will again host the event August 27-28, 2016. Located at Trinca Airport in Andover, New Jersey, the venue provides plenty of parking, camping, a large pit area, spectator amenities, and best of all, all AMA-legal aircraft are welcome!
As is customary, Saturday’s pilot lunch is courtesy of District II. New this year will be a Saturday night barbecue with bluegrass entertainment. These improvements help to support the District II Fly-In’s event atmosphere where pilots, families, and friends can enjoy the entire day.
Put the 2016 District II Fly-In on your calendar. For event information, contact Pat Rizzuto at (973) 764-7779.
Several District II members have had their lives saved by Automated External Devices (AEDs), after sustaining a sudden cardiac arrest at a flying field or in a public place. Knowing this, it was my honor last year to sponsor an AMA Executive Council motion to provide grants toward AED purchases, through AMA’s Flying Site Assistance Program. The motion also encouraged club members to obtain certified first aid and CPR training.
The Syracuse Thunderbirds Aero Radio Society (STARS) was the first AMA club to apply for, and receive, an AED grant. The STARS recently purchased an AED at an exceptionally reasonable cost.
AEDs range from a few hundred dollars for certified, refurbished units to more than $1,000 for elaborate ones. We often think of field safety just in terms of aircraft mishaps. Being prepared for our health at the field is just as important!
Remember, it’s not about what you fly, it’s about the people and the friends we make. →
Associate Vice Presidents
Dennis Andreas, Freeport NY, (516) 379-0135, danandreasdhsd@juno.com; Fred Backhaus, Medford NY, (631) 289-6964, modelerf@optonline.net; Reid Condon, Grennville NY, (518) 966-8239, rcairforce@live.com; Chuck Davis, Sayville NY, (631) 589-7690, arcdavis@verizon.com; Gene Gavin, Staten Island NY, (718) 967-0598, Gavin1957@aol.com; Jon Gerber, Staten Island NY, (718) 984-5013, taxman846@aol.com; Frank Granelli, Rockaway NJ, (973) 625-4995, granelli@aol.com; Bill Hauth, Hamburg NY, (716) 649-8592, toolman2000@msn.com; Thomas Murray, Basking Ridge NJ, (908) 766-5655; Anthony Rossi, Somerset NJ, (917) 320-2665, pf500851@aol.com; Joe Sargel, Woolwich Township NJ, (856) 491-8481, donnajeo24@msn.com; Peter Seifert, Baldwinsville NY, (315) 635-6370, pseife2@gmail.com; Leonard Max Smart, Morrisville NY, (518) 563-6878; hotrodsbymax@charter.net; Alexander Szemere, Kendall Park NJ, (732) 821-5641, drszemere@aol.com. CL/FF Coordinator/AVP: David King, South Plainfield, NJ, (732) 672-1783, clinodpilot@comcast.net. Safety Coordinator/RC Contest Coordinator/AVP: Al Kanser, New Lisbon NY, (607) 293-7974, akanser@hughes.net. Webmaster: Chuck Levine, webmaster@amadistrict.org.
